From soil health to mental health we are discussing the need for A BIG SHIFT in #faming and #agricultural systems. Each episode brings together insights from #farmers, scientists and industry to share and grow knowledge about holistic and regenerative farming practices.
Produced by the @growloveproject with NSW Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program.
We acknowledge the First People of this land throughout Australia and recognise their connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.
Farming on the Fringe Series: Robert Pekin, Food Connect Foundation
Food Connect founder Robert Pekin shares his journey from dairy farmer to food systems innovator, including the loss of his family farm and the experiences that reshaped how he thought about farming, food and community.
Robert explores the power of collaboration, shorter supply chains and community-owned infrastructure to create a fairer and more resilient food system. Drawing on the story of Food Connect and the Food Connect Shed, he argues that farmers and communities can build alternatives by focusing on what they can influence locally and working collectively.
Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prvkb4YLJFU&list=PLHRKM-_fhj6g
Visit Food Connect Foundation - fcf.org.au
The Farming on the Fringe Forum was delivered by Local Land Services in partnership with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water under the Primary Industries Productivity and Abatement Program (PIPAP).
This podcast was produced by Grow Love Project and supported by Greater Sydney Local Land Services’ Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator through funding from the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.
30 Sept 2026
Farming on the Fringe trailer
The folks here at Greater Sydney Local Land Services recently hosted a forum called Farming on the Fringe it covers a range of topics, including:
what is natural capital on your farm
carbon farming and environmental market opportunities
what a healthy soil ecosystem looks like
The event had over 130 participants and was hosted by journalist and radio host Chris Bath. The episodes are recordings of the speaker presentations.
29 Jun 2026
Beyond the Weather Forecast: A decision making Tool for Farmers
What if farmers could better understand what's happening beneath their feet? And could that information help them make better decisions when seasons don't go to plan?
In this episode, we explore Farming Forecaster, a free online tool that combines soil moisture, pasture growth and seasonal information to help farmers make more informed management decisions.
We visit Mattana Farm near Milton on the NSW South Coast, where Bec and Adam share how a local soil moisture probe has helped them navigate drought, fire, flooding rains and difficult livestock decisions.
Whether you're a data enthusiast or simply looking for another tool to support decision-making, this episode offers practical insights into using information alongside experience and intuition on farm.
Featured Guests
Bec and Adam – Mattana Farm, Milton NSW
Matt Lieschke – Agricultural Extension Officer, Local Land Services
Phil Graham – Agricultural Consultant
Episode Guide
(00:00) Farming through drought, fires and changing seasons
(06:00) Why soil moisture and temperature matter
(07:30) Using data to make tough stocking decisions
(08:30) How Farming Forecaster helps manage climate variability
(11:30) Exploring the website, probes and pasture forecasts
(16:00) Setting trigger points before conditions deteriorate
(24:30) Back on the farm: confidence, confirmation and practical advice
Useful Links
Farming Forecaster (https://www.farmingforecaster.com.au/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
NSW Local Land Services (https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
The Big Shift for Small Farms is proudly produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by NSW Local Land Services, supported through the Climate Smart Agriculture Program.
Who has been a guest on Big Shift For Small Farms
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Kim Deans
Alexia Martinez
Kym Green
Andy Hanna
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
10 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 42 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
49
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
90
Contact Big Shift For Small Farms
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